Global Brain Dynamics During Social Exclusion Predict Subsequent Behavioral Conformity

TL;DR

This study shows that brain connectivity patterns during social exclusion can predict how adolescents will conform to peer norms in risky driving situations, highlighting neural markers of social behavior.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach linking brain network connectivity during social exclusion to subsequent behavioral conformity in adolescents.

Findings

Brain connectivity during social exclusion predicts peer conformity.

Functional network activity captures individual differences in social behavior.

Machine learning accurately forecasts conformity based on neural data.

Abstract

Individuals react differently to social experiences; for example, people who are more sensitive to negative social experiences, such as being excluded, may be more likely to adapt their behavior to fit in with others. We examined whether functional brain connectivity during social exclusion in the fMRI scanner can be used to predict subsequent conformity to peer norms. Adolescent males (N = 57) completed a two-part study on teen driving risk: a social exclusion task (Cyberball) during an fMRI session and a subsequent driving simulator session in which they drove alone and in the presence of a peer who expressed risk-averse or risk-accepting driving norms. We computed the difference in functional connectivity between social exclusion and social inclusion from each node in the brain to nodes in two brain networks, one previously associated with mentalizing (medial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, precuneus, temporal poles) and another with social pain (anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula). Using cross-validated machine learning, this measure of global network connectivity during exclusion predicts the extent of conformity to peer pressure during driving in the subsequent experimental session. These findings extend our understanding of how global neural dynamics guide social behavior, revealing functional network activity that captures individual differences.